brit rock

""OK" not good enough."
  Zippy
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Pete Doherty Caught Doing Heroin on Flight

Published June 9th, 2009 by Karen
What A Mess
Creative Commons License photo credit: wonker

British singer Pete Doherty was fined by Swiss police for doing heroin during a flight from London on Friday, according to an Associated Press report.

The 30-year-old rocker was picked up by officers after the 1 hour, 40-minute British Airways flight landed in Geneva, and held for two hours, according to the AP.  Doherty then paid an unspecified fine and was released.

Swiss police confirmed this account, but refused to address a report in a Swiss newspaper which said that Doherty was discovered by a stewardess collapsed in a toilet, with a used syringe nearby.

Doherty, lead singer of Babyshambles and former boyfriend of British model Kate Moss, has been known of late for his battles with drug abuse.  He landed in a London prison for 29 days last year after being caught with crack cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis during a probation period.

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Unknown Musician Gets Shot at Ivors

Published April 21st, 2009 by Wendy

Creative Commons License photo credit: patrick kiteley

A little-known musician without a record contract and working a day job in a warehouse is getting a shot at the big time after being placed on the shortlist for Britain’s prestigious Ivor Novello Award, joining major acts like Coldplay and Duffy, according to a Reuters report.

According to the news service, Nicholas Hemming, 35, has been nominated as composer and lyricist for his song “The Last of the Melting Snow” which he wrote and performed with indie band The Leisure Society. The single was released in December to critical acclaim, but failed to break into the top 40 in the UK singles charts despite widespread radio play.

Hemming, however, is not a total stranger to the music business. He has also written and performed music for films including “A Room for Romeo Brass” and “Dean Man’s Shoes.”

The annual Ivor awards honor songwriters and composers who are often eclipsed by the more famous acts who perform their works. The awards ceremony will be held in London on May 21.

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Is Hitting a Member of Oasis Worth 14 years in Jail? Definitely, Maybe.

Published January 27th, 2009 by Karen

Flickr photo by Anirudh KoulLast year during an Oasis concert in Toronto an audience member, 47-year-old Daniel Sullivan, apparently ran onstage and knocked over Noel Gallagher, breaking a few of the famed Brit-pop guitarist’s ribs. The attack occurred just as the band was beginning to play its 1995 hit, “Morning Glory.”

See the whole video below (or skip to the 1:30 mark for the attack). We’ll try not to make a snarky comment about the way Noel’s brother, singer Liam Gallagher, limply pretends to try to hit the attacker—after the big security guys are already holding him down. Classy.

NME reports that authorities have increased the charges against Sullivan from assault to aggravated assault, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail. Continue reading »

"Its about time that the Grammmy's finally get an act on the show like Radiohead. I am tired of the lame award shows in the past. Radiohead is my all..."
  Mokeyboy128
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Will Radiohead Save the Grammys, Confuse Katy Perry Fans, or Just Sell More Ads?

Published January 26th, 2009 by Karen

After turning the record industry on its head in 2007 by releasing an album (In Rainbows) online and allowing listeners to pay whatever price they wanted, Brit rock band Radiohead is reportedly planning on doing something even more surprising: performing on the Grammys.

The band got its start firmly planted in the alt-rock grunge of the ‘90s, copping moves from the Pixies, generally riding whichever trend seemed like the next big thing and subsequently finding success with songs such as “Creep”. Even with pop leanings, the quintet had always been a little off-center, but after 1997’s OK Computer, the group rather abruptly severed its accessible alt-rock roots in favor of a far more experimental sound.

So, why would a band that is seemingly struggling whole-heartedly against the mainstream now decide to dive into the shallow talent pool at the Grammys—a self-congratulatory parade of pre-fab popstars celebrating record sales rather than any sort of legitimate artistic achievements? Continue reading »

"Lol.... love the crack about The Killers... I really loved FF's first album and, like you, I'm not in-love with Ulysses. Are there any good dance-rock..."
  A.S.
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New Music, New Video, Same Old Sound? Franz Ferdinand “Ulysses”

Published January 22nd, 2009 by Karen

Five years after burning up playlists (and countless TV ads) with inescapable dance-rock tracks like “Take Me Out” and “This Fire,” Scottish quartet Franz Ferdinand is back with a new set of songs—but is anyone still listening?

All the standard elements are in place on the band’s forthcoming third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, from the slick, only semi-ironic ‘80s dance beats and suggestive falsetto to the usual vague threats of punky, art-school mischief. However, half-hearted lead single “Ulysses” (video) finds the skinny-tied band wandering aimlessly rather than running to the dance floor. Continue reading »

"What about Roger and Heather Daltrey....hasn't been 44 years but I believe they have been married for 38 or 39!"
  VJ
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Secret to a Happy (rock star) Marriage and Free Wedding Music

Published October 7th, 2008 by Karen

Who has been married 44 years: One of the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

With rock stars like Paul McCartney and Phil Collins making headlines for their $50 million dollar divorce settlements, it’s starting to seem as though all Hollywood weddings and rock’n’roll marriages are doomed.

However, long before Britney was divorced (twice) or Mariah Carey eloped, rock stars were walking down the aisle—and making it last.

Today we’re taking a look at some of the longest-lasting marriages in the rock music world. Members of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones have had successful relationships, but who comes out on top? Find out! (And, if you’re in the mood, check out some free wedding music mp3s).

Top Rock Star Weddings

11. David Bowie and Iman: Married 16 Years
A rockstar and a supermodel? Sounds like the recipe for marital success to us!
Free David Bowie MP3—Rebel Rebel MP3

10. John Cougar Mellencamp and Elaine Irwin: Married 16 Years

9. Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa: Married 17 Years

8. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi) and Dorothea Hurley: Married 19 Years
Known for writing catchy love songs, it’s no surprise that Bon Jovi married his childhood sweetheart.

7. George Harrison (Beatles) and Olivia Trinidad Arias:  Married 23 Years (until Harrison’s death in 2001).

6. Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones) and Jo Howard—Unfortunately, after 23 years of marriage, this couple seems to be headed for divorce court, but they’re still married for now, so they’re on our list.

5. Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) and Patti Hansen: Married 25 Years
Yeah, we were pretty shocked by this one, too!

4. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne: Married 26 Years
 
3. Ringo Starr (Beatles) and Barbara Bach: Married 27 Years
The Beatle drummer found happiness with one of the Bond Girl beauties from the James Bond films, lucky fella.

2. Paul McCartney (Beatles) and Linda McCartney: Married 29 Years (until Linda’s death)
Paul and Linda had one of the best marriages in rock’n’roll history. Unfortunately, things with Heather Mills didn’t go quite as well.

Free Beatles MP3—Can’t Buy Me Love MP3

And, the winner of best Rock Star marriage is…
1. Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones
Charlie Watt married Shirley Ann Shepherd in October of 1964, which means they’ve been married for 44 years. While the other Rolling Stones were out partying, the soft-spoken drummer used to speak openly about how much he missed his wife and family while on tour.

Being married for 44 years is a long time by any standard, and considering Watts is a member of one of the most famous bands in the world—The Rolling Stones—it’s AMAZING!

Free Rolling Stones MP3—Satisfaction Free MP3

What do you think?
Are you surprised that Rock Stars can make their marriages last?
Can young stars learn something from these successful marriages?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think.
 

"Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes... Cool Post! Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes is my passion! Thank you! Keep up the good work. Best..."
  Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
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You Can Spend Christmas with a Rock Star Like Keith Richards!

Published December 10th, 2007 by Karen

Perhaps instead of leaving milk and cookies for Santa and his helpers, Rolling Stones guitarist/legendary wildman, Keith Richards, leaves out a big bottle of something that’ll really cut through the winter chill.

Regardless of what culinary delights he leaves for St. Nick, this year Richards is unveiling a gift for his fans…sort of.

Just in time for the holidays, Richards is teaming up with iTunes to re-release his 1978 single, “Run Rudolph Run.” The lively holiday tune (a cover of Chuck Berry’s Christmas classic) was recorded without his fellow Stones, and has been somewhat difficult to track down—until now.

Of course, Richards isn’t the first rocker to release a Christmas song. See if any of your favorites made my list of the top Christmas songs by rock bands.

Top 15 Christmas Rock Songs

15. “Jingle Bell Rock”—Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

14. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”—Brenda Lee

13. “Please Come Home for Christmas”—Bon Jovi

12. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”—John Lennon

11. “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”—Bruce Springsteen

10. “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas”—Blink 182

9. “Christmas at the Zoo”—Flaming Lips

8. “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight)”—The Ramones

7. “Run, Rudolph, Run”—Chuck Berry

6. “Merry Xmas Everybody”—Slade

5. “If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home”—Reigning Sound

4. “Frosty the Snowman”—The Ronettes

3. “Blue Christmas”—Elvis

2. “Father Christmas”—the Kinks

1. “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)”—Darlene Love